Customer Reviews

Porter-Cable 333VS 5-Inch Quicksand Variable Speed Random Orbit Finishing Sander

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

The Porter-Cable 333VS Quicksand random orbital sander is simply the best 5" random orbital sander on the market. The tool is very solidly built, with superb fit and finish. The excellent ergonomic design allows the tool to be held very comfortably with a variety of hand positions. The hook-and-loop pad holds sandpaper firmly, without any slippage. The dust collection system is very efficient, and the rigid collection canister holds up much better (and is easier to empty) than a flimsy bag. Although I usually use mine hooked up to a vacuum system, I have used it with the canister on a number of occasions and have never had the canister fall off. The Porter-Cable 333VS random orbital sander has more than enough power for any sanding task you would use it for, and it runs very smoothly. There is also no question about the durability of this line of sanders. I also have a Porter-Cable 333 fixed-speed sander, which I once knocked off of my work bench accidentally. Absolutely no damage was done, and the sander still works beautifully. You wouldn't go wrong with a Makita, Bosch, or DeWalt, but if you want the best get the best--the Porter-Cable 333VS.

This is my pick for the best RO sander. It runs smoother than the others . It is not the fastest sander in the world but you can run it much longer without having a numb hand. The dust collection is great. The little canister is easy to dump and you're back at it in no time. Variable speed is a must for fine work. You don't always want full power. like when you just want to ease an edge on a nice piece of prize furniture. You can dial it down real low if you want to. This coupled to the pad control feature means no ruined work, ever. I use this sander far more than my Dewalt, Bosch and Makita RO sanders

Christmas day was spent with a huge grin on my face since I unwrapped my 333VS RO sander and a 9444VS detail sander -- and why not? Porter Cable tools never fail to satisfy, and this was no different. Though a bit more expensive as one reviewer noted, the hook and loop pads stick more consistently in dusty situations than the adhesive pads. If you are debating spending the extra $$ for the VS versus single speed, get the VS as you will appreciate the added control. At lower speeds with very fine paper you get a mirror-like finish. At higher speeds with heavier grits this thing can accomplish some pretty aggressive stock removal. While sanding some joint compound, I also noticed the lower speed still removed the excess, but kept the dust cloud to a bare minimum. Another excellent PC tool that will definitely see lots more use than my palm sander.

I'm a specialty contractor who does a variety of things from installing garbage disposals to finishing hardwood floors. I've used this sander in a variety or areas. This sander should not be listed as a finishing sander. It is really good as a finishing sander but also has the muscle to be an agressive stock removal tool. There is a lot more control using this powerhouse for stock removal than a heavy belt sander. It is a really good investment and durable on the jobsite and small enough where it doesn't take up a lot of space in the back of the truck.

You can not go wrong with this sander for a finish that is perfect. Even someone with little skill will find this an esay use tool. I would recommend this tool as the only sander needed by most people. Weekender - this is your sander. Handy person this is your sander. Woodworker - try it you will love it. Very low price for a high quality power tool.

These sanders are nice, light, powerful and last forever. Many idiots have my sander and it has taken a few falls, but still works with no unusual noises and i like the hook and loop, but if you dont you can simply un screw the pad and put on an adhesive backed pad. You dont realize how useful the varible speed is unless you sand in tight quarters or alot of refinshing. Also the hard dust cup is great better then the stupid bags or little dust boxes. I would by this over the bosch or makita any day

I have used 333 and 333vs sanders extensively. I have even burned-out 2 of them. They perform very nicely with a nice ergonomic hand grip. Control is excellent and material removal is certainly adequate. However, the dust cannister constantly falls off resulting in the user resorting to duct-tape or some other measure. Also, PC's hook and loop pads very quickly lose their ability to hang on to the paper (too frequent replacement). In conclusion, I would buy Bosch instead. The sanding discs are hard to remove from their pads!

I am impressed with the smooth operation as well as the dust collection system -- the dust collector does fill fast, so check it often - it'a a quick easy cleanup with shop-vac.

The height of the cylinder was an initial concern, but after use I realize it's designed to provide a nice grip either from the top or the side.

The pad hooks are quality and really hold the discs tightly - no more flying saucers!

A great palm sander, gives excellent, swirless results on everything I have thrown at it, including the entire bottom of my 25ft sailboat! VERY comfortable to use. Like other reviewers, dust canister was constantly falling off until I replaced it with a new canister assembly from PC and they seem to have corrected the problem (its REAL tight now). The sanding pad wore out after about three years and was was easily replaced. Overall a fine machine I would buy again.

I received the tool right on time, and was impressed with the packaging Amazon did.

I promptly hooked on some sand paper, the heeok and loop is awsome. After attatching the dust canister, which took quite a bit of effort, I don't see it flling off as early reviews reported. I started sanding a piece of oak, and watched it turn from fairly rough, to beautiful in minutes. Best of all there was no dust, I enjoyed doing it too.

The variable speed is nice, and while called a finishing sander, it states in the direcitons it van remove stock with lower grits. And does very well, I am impressed, it's easy to hold and control, and by golly it amuses me.

If you want a power sander get a Random Orbital, if you want a Random orbial get this one, she's a great little machine.